The AR1A was presented for the first time to the public at the International Defence Exhibition IDEX 2009. The New Norinco AR1A 300 mm Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems is an offensive and concurrently defence weapon. AR1A 300 mm MRLS can execute fire missions normally by battalion or battery as its basic firing unit, yet it can also execute fire missions autonomously by single launcher with advanced meteorological survey systems, command & control system and support system, effective fire assault and neutralization of various ground targets can be implemented. This is the export version of the PHL03. The PHL03 is already be in service in the Chinese army (PLA Peoples Liberation Army).

The AR1A is equipped at the rear of the chassis with two pods each of five 300 mm rockets. These are reloaded as two complete box-shaped pods. Rockets are factory-fitted inside these pods. Also pods are easier to maintain. Manufacturers claim, that the AR1A is not compatible with the Smerch rockets. A number of warheads are available for this system, including HE-FRAG, fuel-air explosive, cargo, with anti-tank or anti-personnel submunitions. A standard HE-FRAG warhead weights about 200 kg. Maximum range of fire is up to 130 km, with a maximum cruising range of 650 km. Minimum range is 20 km. Rockets are fitted with a range and direction correction system for improved accuracy.

Truck

The NORINCO AR1A launcher has a four door fully enclosed air conditioned cab at the front with an additional fully enclosed crew cab to the immediate rear with the system normally being operated by a crew of four.

Propulsion

Launcher vehicle of this multiple launch rocket system is based on a 8x8 heavy high mobility truck chassis.

Accessories

A crew of four prepares the launching vehicle for firing within 5 minutes. Vehicle leaves firing position in 1 minute. The launch vehicle is fitted with a GPS system. It is capable of autonomous determination of position coordinates and direction. Launch vehicle can fire single rockets or full salvo. The main advantage of the AR1A is that each pod can be replaced by a new pod of rockets after firing.